CSCS Test Questions and Answers

According to the Work at Height Regulations 2005, what is the first thing you should consider when planning work at height?

1. Use a safety harness
2. Avoid working at height altogether if possible
3. Erect scaffolding
4. Use a mobile elevated work platform (MEWP)

Answer: b) Avoid working at height altogether if possible

Explanation: The Work at Height Regulations 2005 establish a clear hierarchy: first avoid work at height if possible, then prevent falls using guardrails or platforms, then mitigate the consequences of a fall using nets or harnesses. Avoidance is always the first consideration.

How often must a scaffold be inspected once it is erected?

1. Daily
2. Every 7 days, or after adverse weather
3. Monthly
4. Only when damage is reported

Answer: b) Every 7 days, or after adverse weather

Explanation: Scaffolding must be inspected by a competent person before first use, at intervals not exceeding 7 days, and after any event that may have affected its stability (such as high winds, heavy rain or impact). Each inspection must be recorded.

What is the correct angle for placing a ladder against a wall?

1. 1 unit out for every 2 units up (60 degrees)
2. 1 unit out for every 3 units up (71 degrees)
3. 1 unit out for every 4 units up (75 degrees)
4. 1 unit out for every 5 units up (78 degrees)

Answer: c) 1 unit out for every 4 units up (75 degrees)

Explanation: The correct ladder angle is a 1:4 ratio (approximately 75 degrees). This provides the best balance between stability and the risk of the ladder sliding. The ladder should also extend at least 1 metre above the landing point and be secured at the top or bottom.

Which fire extinguisher should you use on an electrical fire?

1. Water (red band)
2. Foam (cream band)
3. CO2 (black band)
4. Wet chemical (yellow band)

Answer: c) CO2 (black band)

Explanation: A CO2 (carbon dioxide) extinguisher is safe to use on electrical fires because it does not conduct electricity and leaves no residue. Dry powder (blue band) can also be used. Never use water on electrical fires as water conducts electricity.

What three elements make up the fire triangle?

1. Heat, fuel, carbon dioxide
2. Heat, fuel, oxygen
3. Sparks, wood, wind
4. Electricity, gas, air

Answer: b) Heat, fuel, oxygen

Explanation: The fire triangle consists of heat (ignition source), fuel (combustible material) and oxygen (from the air). Removing any one of these three elements will prevent or extinguish a fire. This principle is the foundation of all fire prevention strategies.

What does the TILE acronym stand for in manual handling risk assessment?

1. Time, Impact, Load, Equipment
2. Task, Individual, Load, Environment
3. Training, Instruction, Lifting, Evaluation
4. Task, Inspection, Limit, Exposure

Answer: b) Task, Individual, Load, Environment

Explanation: TILE is a systematic approach to manual handling risk assessment: Task (what does the activity involve?), Individual (who is doing the lifting?), Load (what is being moved?), Environment (where is the lifting taking place?). All four factors must be assessed before manual handling.

What is the HSE guideline weight for a man lifting a load close to the body at waist height?

1. 15 kg
2. 20 kg
3. 25 kg
4. 30 kg

Answer: c) 25 kg

Explanation: The HSE guideline weight for a man lifting a load close to the body at waist height is 25 kg. This is a guideline, not a legal limit. The actual safe weight depends on the individual, the nature of the load, the distance carried and the environment. For women, the guideline is approximately 16 kg in the same position.

Who is responsible for providing PPE on a construction site?

1. The worker must buy their own PPE
2. The employer must provide PPE free of charge
3. PPE costs are shared between employer and worker
4. The site safety officer provides PPE

Answer: b) The employer must provide PPE free of charge

Explanation: Under the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992, the employer is responsible for providing appropriate PPE free of charge to employees. The employer must also ensure PPE is properly maintained, stored and replaced when necessary. Workers are responsible for using and looking after the PPE provided.

When should PPE be used as a control measure?

1. As the first line of defence against any hazard
2. Whenever the worker feels it is necessary
3. Only as a last resort when other controls are not reasonably practicable
4. Only when the site manager decides it is needed

Answer: c) Only as a last resort when other controls are not reasonably practicable

Explanation: PPE is the last resort in the hierarchy of controls. The hierarchy is: eliminate the hazard, substitute with something less dangerous, engineering controls (isolation, guarding), administrative controls (training, procedures), and finally PPE. PPE should only be relied upon when all higher-level controls have been considered and found insufficient.

What does COSHH stand for?

1. Control of Safety and Health at Home
2. Control of Substances Hazardous to Health
3. Certificate of Site Health and Hygiene
4. Construction of Safe and Healthy Housing

Answer: b) Control of Substances Hazardous to Health

Explanation: COSHH stands for Control of Substances Hazardous to Health. The COSHH Regulations 2002 require employers to assess the risks from hazardous substances in the workplace and implement appropriate control measures to protect workers’ health.

What voltage should portable electrical tools operate at on a construction site?

1. 240 volts
2. 110 volts
3. 415 volts
4. 12 volts

Answer: b) 110 volts

Explanation: On UK construction sites, portable electrical tools must operate at 110 volts (reduced from mains 230V using a centre-tapped earth transformer). This means the maximum voltage to earth is only 55V, significantly reducing the risk of fatal electric shock. The 110V system uses yellow plugs and sockets.

Under RIDDOR, how many days of absence from work must be reported to the HSE?

1. 3 days
2. 5 days
3. 7 days
4. 14 days

Answer: c) 7 days

Explanation: Under RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013), an injury that results in a worker being incapacitated for more than 7 consecutive days (not counting the day of the accident) must be reported to the HSE within 15 days. Specified injuries (fractures, amputations, etc.) must be reported immediately.

What does a blue circular safety sign indicate?

1. Warning of a hazard
2. Prohibition (something you must not do)
3. Mandatory instruction (something you must do)
4. Safe condition (exit, first aid)

Answer: c) Mandatory instruction (something you must do)

Explanation: Safety sign colours: Blue circles = mandatory (must do, e.g. “hard hats must be worn”). Red circles = prohibition (must not do). Yellow triangles = warning/hazard. Green rectangles = safe condition (exit routes, first aid). This follows the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996.

At what noise level must employers provide hearing protection on a construction site?

1. 70 dB(A)
2. 80 dB(A)
3. 85 dB(A)
4. 90 dB(A)

Answer: b) 80 dB(A)

Explanation: Under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, the lower exposure action value is 80 dB(A) — at this level employers must make hearing protection available. At 85 dB(A) (upper action value), hearing protection is mandatory and hearing protection zones must be designated.